RANAU: Azizul Julirin is probably facing a tougher fight in the Ranau parliamentary seat in this 15th General Election.
The 34-year-old lad, from the Kundasang agriculture highland here, is making his political debut under a new party Pejuang led by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Although he is young and new in the election, Azizul said that people know him as an agropreneur that leads and organises empowerment programmes for the youths, small business owners, farmers community and tourism operators here.
"However, I do admit that due to the vast geographical factor, I have yet been able to reach every village in Ranau.
"Moreover, I am less known among political people as I never bought any symbol of the political party before this," he said, adding his party now is also a double-edged sword in winning the election.
Azizul said as a new party, Pejuang is yet to be known by many, but it also means that it offers a choice for voters who look for a fresh and clean party without any failed past leadership.
"For Ranau voters, they are excited with the existence of Pejuang, which is led by Tun Mahathir.
"(It is undeniable) that there are some still skeptical towards Tun Mahathir, but to me, it is merely perception and propaganda.
"I had explained during my campaign that Tun Mahathir is not a perfect leader and makes mistakes," he said. "The allegations on Project IC on issuance citizenship to illegal immigrants is unfair without proof," he added.
Unlike other parties' candidates who are getting support from their leaders during the campaign, Azizul remains high spirited and optimistic doing it without Dr Mahathir.
"I am always confident with my background, achievement, contribution and manifesto with support from the grassroot community.
"Our campaign strategy is to give hope and positive feedback (to voters)," he said, adding his election machinery is not giving up till the end," he said.
Meanwhile, in mitigating climate change, Azizul's manifesto focuses on empowering agriculture through modernisation that is resistant to climate change, thus ensuring consistent and high incomes for the farmers.
His manifesto also includes the setting up of processing plants that could produce affordable organic fertiliser and it helps to reduce the amount of agricultural waste.
Ranau parliamentary seat will see a five-cornered fight among Azizul, incumbent Datuk Jonathan Yassin (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah), former member of parliament Datuk Ewon Ebin (Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah), Taufik Dahlan (Pakatan Harapan), and Markos Siton (Parti Warisan).